Naperville debates skate park

The cheers and jeers were evenly split in an emotional crowd of about 100 people Wednesday during a public forum debating a proposed skate park at Centennial Beach in Naperville.

Parents and dozens of youths applauded the Park District staff's recommendation for a 10,000-square-foot skate park just outside Centennial Beach on Park District property.

But many residents were appalled at the prospect of a skate park along the Riverwalk, citing noise and vandalism concerns.

At times, the crowd turned raucous.

"It is important for me that my kid can stay in his city," said Naperville resident Tammy Jones, the mother of a 15-year-old skateboarder. "You want to talk about noise, come to my house. I have a skate park in my house.

"When that skate park opens we will be the first ones through the doors. If the adults of this city don't stand behind these kids they are going to remember it as adults."

Others, fearing the skate park would ruin the tranquility of the Riverwalk, asked that other park locations be reconsidered.

With resources on site, the district would not have to spend more money on utilities. Park officials also say Centennial Beach is patrolled by park police more often than other park facilities. The skate park is estimated to cost $350,000.

Many residents, unaware that the district was focusing on Centennial Beach, blasted Park District officials about the timing of the public hearing, one week before the Park Board is scheduled to vote on the location of the skate park.

"It sounds to me like you already made the plan and left asking the neighbors a little late," said Jane Stiker, a resident of River Place condominiums along the Riverwalk.

Park District officials said they have discussed the issue for years.

The Park Board is expected to vote on the location Thursday. If approved, construction could begin in March and be complete by May 2004.